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Match report: York City 1, Morecambe 4

VISITING supporters at Bootham Crescent on Saturday celebrated their team’s 4-1 win with renditions of an old Morecambe and Wise favourite.

York City, meanwhile, seemingly paid their own tribute to the 1970s comedy heavyweights with a slapstick performance that even Eric and Ernie would have struggled to match.

With the score at 1-1, Michael Ingham’s complete miskick gifted Morecambe winger Kevin Ellison the opportunity to fire his team back in front on 74 minutes.

More tragicomic defending then saw substitute Jack Redshaw put the final outcome beyond doubt with two late goals.

Jason Walker had earlier converted from the penalty spot to cancel out Lewis Alessandra’s 23rd-minute opening goal but the Minstermen once more struggled to threaten in the final third of the pitch.

With Paddy McLaughlin having scored direct from a corner seven days earlier at Gillingham, Gary Mills’ team have now failed to net in open play for three games.

Furthermore, last season’s 20-goal top scorer, Matty Blair, has managed to hit the target just once in his last 19 outings, while fellow forward Alex Rodman has only made the scoresheet once since his arrival from Aldershot in November.

Crocked pair Ashley Chambers and Michael Coulson are clearly being missed, but the Minstermen’s strikers should not carry the can alone for the team’s recent travails in front of goal.

There is little wrong with the quality and variety of Walker’s finishing – no two penalties, for example, ever seem to be taken in the same way by the former Luton forward.

But it is difficult to recall how many clear-cut chances the £60,000 striker has been presented with this term.

Too often, he is feeding off scraps and Mills’ 4-3-3 formation demands better service from the full-back positions and, more specifically, the middle of the park for it to function successfully and to get the best out of Walker.

With the exception of Scott Kerr, City’s midfielders did not seek or keep possession sufficiently well against the Shrimps, leaving Walker isolated or contesting hopeful balls forward.

Shifting Kerr closer to Walker and restoring Dan Parslow to an anchoring midfield role must now be a serious consideration ahead of this weekend’s trip to Wycombe.

With those two operating together, City would certainly carry a more imposing presence in that area of the pitch than they did on Saturday.

Equally, David McGurk will be in strong contention for a recall at centre-back.

On-loan Blackburn teenager Jack O’Connell has obvious potential but, at 18, only an exceptional talent would possess the positional sense, concentration levels and ability to read a game that are all a given with McGurk.

The England under-19 international certainly looked a little exposed when captain Chris Smith was sent forward as an emergency striker for the last ten minutes and was chasing shadows as the visitors scored their last two goals.

Earlier, Blair had curled a promising third-minute chance well off target for the Minstermen and the same player headed wide from debutant Curtis Obeng’s right-wing cross soon afterwards.

Kerr also dragged a 25-yard attempt off target before Ellison seized on a favourable ricochet to bear down on Ingham’s goal.

The City ’keeper was alert to the danger, however, racing off his line to smother at the 33-year-old veteran’s feet.

The hosts struck back on 28 minutes after Chris McCready was adjudged to have wrestled Smith to the floor in the six-yard box following McLaughlin’s corner.

Walker blasted the resulting spot kick straight down the middle and into the roof of Barry Roche’s net.

After Blair headed over from an Obeng cross, Shrimps centre-back Nick Fenton also missed the target after rising unchallenged to meet Ryan Williams’ flag kick.

In the second half, Will Haining’s swerving long-range drive was kept out by Ingham while McLaughlin fired straight at Roche from 15 yards after being picked out by Blair.

On the hour mark, Ellison crashed a far-post chance in off the crossbar after Alessandra’s miscued shot but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Roche’s weak punch from a McLaughlin corner then saw the ball fall at Parslow’s feet but his shot was cleared off the line by Ellison.

After McLaughlin drilled an edge-of-the-box effort wide, Ellison went on to regain the lead for the visitors.

Lifting the ball over O’Connell 40 yards from goal, Ellison rolled the ball into an empty net after Ingham had rushed out of his penalty area to meet him only to kick out at fresh air.

As the clock ticked down, makeshift frontman Smith saw a goalbound shot blocked, while Blair missed the target with another header from an Obeng cross.

It was left to Redshaw, though, to provide the game with a final flourish.

On 87 minutes, Chris Holroyd ran at a back-pedalling O’Connell before finding the overlapping Ellison with a clever reverse pass.

When Ingham then dived to his left to keep out Ellison’s low shot, former Manchester City forward Redshaw kept his composure to cut inside substitute Jamal Fyfield and find the net.

Moments later, Redshaw tiptoed his way into the City penalty box before toe-poking high into the sidenetting but added his second goal of the afternoon in the third minute of stoppage time.

Ellison’s flatly-struck pass from inside his own half somehow dissected City defenders Parslow and O’Connell, who allowed Redshaw to sprint clear on goal.

Another confident finish sealed a miserable afternoon for the hosts and, whilst a chorus of Bring Me Sunshine broke out in the away end, certain sections of the City support chose to boo their team at the final whistle.

City will misfire and stutter right up to the finish line with mills. The team will avoid relegation through the odd win and scraped draw. Now is not the time to ditch mills. This requires a full review as soon as the season ends and appropriate action taking. Past city managers have managed to finish their seasons with a flourish, mills needs judging from here on in. Board with teeth may get rid, board with no teeth will give it same old, same old.

City will misfire and stutter right up to the finish line with mills. The team will avoid relegation through the odd win and scraped draw. Now is not the time to ditch mills. This requires a full review as soon as the season ends and appropriate action taking. Past city managers have managed to finish their seasons with a flourish, mills needs judging from here on in. Board with teeth may get rid, board with no teeth will give it same old, same old.Mad for Minstermen

City will misfire and stutter right up to the finish line with mills. The team will avoid relegation through the odd win and scraped draw. Now is not the time to ditch mills. This requires a full review as soon as the season ends and appropriate action taking. Past city managers have managed to finish their seasons with a flourish, mills needs judging from here on in. Board with teeth may get rid, board with no teeth will give it same old, same old.

Score: 0

[deleted]
12:12pm Mon 4 Feb 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]jim alexander[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]redbluelion[/bold] wrote: MILLS OUT -MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT..ITS CLEAR HE CAN'T DO THE JOB HES PAYED TO DO..[/p][/quote]Too true MILLS OUT!!![/p][/quote]Oh dear! Jim, it isn't as easy as this. We need to think about whether it would be in the best interests of the club to replace a manager mid-season, just because we are curerntly in a poor run of results; if we were getting hammered every match then you would be upon firmer ground for basing your opinion. We'd have to think about whether or not we could afford to pay his contract up (and, quite possibly, those of the coaches). Then we'd have to think about how this might affect the players. Then we'd have to think about who would replace him and whether or not we could afford to pay them - in effect we would be paying for two managers. The fact that we got promoted and won the FA Trophy would indicate that GM can do the job he's paid to do. Whether he can keep us in the league with a squad that is, essentially, BSP standard players remains to be seen but I happen to believe that he will.Tug job

Oh dear! Jim, it isn't as easy as this. We need to think about whether it would be in the best interests of the club to replace a manager mid-season, just because we are curerntly in a poor run of results; if we were getting hammered every match then you would be upon firmer ground for basing your opinion. We'd have to think about whether or not we could afford to pay his contract up (and, quite possibly, those of the coaches). Then we'd have to think about how this might affect the players. Then we'd have to think about who would replace him and whether or not we could afford to pay them - in effect we would be paying for two managers. The fact that we got promoted and won the FA Trophy would indicate that GM can do the job he's paid to do. Whether he can keep us in the league with a squad that is, essentially, BSP standard players remains to be seen but I happen to believe that he will.

Score: 0

Mad for Minstermen
12:13pm Mon 4 Feb 13

Further, people voting with feet. Take off Saturdays away fans and attendance similar to last season. Reckon that from start of season any extras at BC have already ditched the club until fortune, etc changes for the better.

Further, people voting with feet. Take off Saturdays away fans and attendance similar to last season. Reckon that from start of season any extras at BC have already ditched the club until fortune, etc changes for the better.Mad for Minstermen

Further, people voting with feet. Take off Saturdays away fans and attendance similar to last season. Reckon that from start of season any extras at BC have already ditched the club until fortune, etc changes for the better.

Score: 0

A user
12:16pm Mon 4 Feb 13

'Paid' to do..

That's what it might look like at the moment. A change of manager will not guarantee a change in results so I personally think we need to play the season out. Too high an expectation was proposed by many at the start of the season - including from the manager. I will be happy with a mid table position and I think many would at the start of the season. Let's be practical and look at the available budget we have for transfers... nil !! We are feeding off scraps not a gourmet menu. Saying that, I am somewhat puzzled at Mr Mills decisions with formation and subs. 3 points against Wycombe is now a must!

'Paid' to do..
That's what it might look like at the moment. A change of manager will not guarantee a change in results so I personally think we need to play the season out. Too high an expectation was proposed by many at the start of the season - including from the manager. I will be happy with a mid table position and I think many would at the start of the season. Let's be practical and look at the available budget we have for transfers... nil !! We are feeding off scraps not a gourmet menu. Saying that, I am somewhat puzzled at Mr Mills decisions with formation and subs. 3 points against Wycombe is now a must!A user

'Paid' to do..

That's what it might look like at the moment. A change of manager will not guarantee a change in results so I personally think we need to play the season out. Too high an expectation was proposed by many at the start of the season - including from the manager. I will be happy with a mid table position and I think many would at the start of the season. Let's be practical and look at the available budget we have for transfers... nil !! We are feeding off scraps not a gourmet menu. Saying that, I am somewhat puzzled at Mr Mills decisions with formation and subs. 3 points against Wycombe is now a must!

Writing it in Caps Lock doesn't make it any more valid. Mills has just hit a wobble in form - if he can't deal with it before the end of the season, then look for a new manager. If he can, then he'll have got us promoted and kept us up, although I get the feeling people will still be calling for his head after every loss.

[quote][p][bold]redbluelion[/bold] wrote:
MILLS OUT -MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT..ITS CLEAR HE CAN'T DO THE JOB HES PAYED TO DO..[/p][/quote]Writing it in Caps Lock doesn't make it any more valid. Mills has just hit a wobble in form - if he can't deal with it before the end of the season, then look for a new manager. If he can, then he'll have got us promoted and kept us up, although I get the feeling people will still be calling for his head after every loss.YorkCityLuke

Writing it in Caps Lock doesn't make it any more valid. Mills has just hit a wobble in form - if he can't deal with it before the end of the season, then look for a new manager. If he can, then he'll have got us promoted and kept us up, although I get the feeling people will still be calling for his head after every loss.

Score: 0

[deleted]
12:46pm Mon 4 Feb 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]YorkCityLuke[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]redbluelion[/bold] wrote:
MILLS OUT -MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT..ITS CLEAR HE CAN'T DO THE JOB HES PAYED TO DO..[/p][/quote]Writing it in Caps Lock doesn't make it any more valid. Mills has just hit a wobble in form - if he can't deal with it before the end of the season, then look for a new manager. If he can, then he'll have got us promoted and kept us up, although I get the feeling people will still be calling for his head after every loss.[/p][/quote]he needs to go NOW. if McGill had the love he claims for the club he'd sack himjim alexander

Writing it in Caps Lock doesn't make it any more valid. Mills has just hit a wobble in form - if he can't deal with it before the end of the season, then look for a new manager. If he can, then he'll have got us promoted and kept us up, although I get the feeling people will still be calling for his head after every loss.

he needs to go NOW. if McGill had the love he claims for the club he'd sack him

Score: 0

[deleted]
12:54pm Mon 4 Feb 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]jim alexander[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]YorkCityLuke[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]redbluelion[/bold] wrote:
MILLS OUT -MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT..ITS CLEAR HE CAN'T DO THE JOB HES PAYED TO DO..[/p][/quote]Writing it in Caps Lock doesn't make it any more valid. Mills has just hit a wobble in form - if he can't deal with it before the end of the season, then look for a new manager. If he can, then he'll have got us promoted and kept us up, although I get the feeling people will still be calling for his head after every loss.[/p][/quote]he needs to go NOW. if McGill had the love he claims for the club he'd sack him[/p][/quote]Again, writing in Caps Lock doesn't add to your argument. Who do you even want to replace him? There isn't some temp-pool of experienced, successful league managers just waiting for a call from York City so they can come rocket us into the play-offs. We know Mills is capable of success, for me that gives him time to get his new signings working properly before we swing the axe. I also think that things will improve in a noticable way when Chambers gets back (how far from fitness is he now, out of interest?), so for now we all need to chill out and see what happens.YorkCityLuke

Writing it in Caps Lock doesn't make it any more valid. Mills has just hit a wobble in form - if he can't deal with it before the end of the season, then look for a new manager. If he can, then he'll have got us promoted and kept us up, although I get the feeling people will still be calling for his head after every loss.

he needs to go NOW. if McGill had the love he claims for the club he'd sack him

Again, writing in Caps Lock doesn't add to your argument. Who do you even want to replace him? There isn't some temp-pool of experienced, successful league managers just waiting for a call from York City so they can come rocket us into the play-offs. We know Mills is capable of success, for me that gives him time to get his new signings working properly before we swing the axe. I also think that things will improve in a noticable way when Chambers gets back (how far from fitness is he now, out of interest?), so for now we all need to chill out and see what happens.

Score: 0

haxbyreds
12:55pm Mon 4 Feb 13

for me Mills will sort it but I do believe without Chambers and Blair pace the system does not work and all you Chambers knockers do you realise how important this player is to us now,my big disappointment with Mills is that he never signed a Rankine like striker for a plan B,because we have looked poor in home games without Chambers.Surely Parslow should be at right back, whilst I thought he had a good game he lacked being able to cross with his left,at the moment believe the team lacks balance.

for me Mills will sort it but I do believe without Chambers and Blair pace the system does not work and all you Chambers knockers do you realise how important this player is to us now,my big disappointment with Mills is that he never signed a Rankine like striker for a plan B,because we have looked poor in home games without Chambers.Surely Parslow should be at right back, whilst I thought he had a good game he lacked being able to cross with his left,at the moment believe the team lacks balance.haxbyreds

for me Mills will sort it but I do believe without Chambers and Blair pace the system does not work and all you Chambers knockers do you realise how important this player is to us now,my big disappointment with Mills is that he never signed a Rankine like striker for a plan B,because we have looked poor in home games without Chambers.Surely Parslow should be at right back, whilst I thought he had a good game he lacked being able to cross with his left,at the moment believe the team lacks balance.

Score: 0

PhilTopping
1:29pm Mon 4 Feb 13

There's still plenty of time to turn this season around and there is a sense of total panic from pretty much everyone and total complacency from everyone else.

Let's be under no illusions though, this decline in form occurred quite some months ago, only relieved with the very occasional decent performance.

There's still plenty of time to turn this season around and there is a sense of total panic from pretty much everyone and total complacency from everyone else.
Let's be under no illusions though, this decline in form occurred quite some months ago, only relieved with the very occasional decent performance.PhilTopping

There's still plenty of time to turn this season around and there is a sense of total panic from pretty much everyone and total complacency from everyone else.

Let's be under no illusions though, this decline in form occurred quite some months ago, only relieved with the very occasional decent performance.

Score: 0

YoRkIe59
1:30pm Mon 4 Feb 13

i think people might be more optimistic in Gms chances of keeping us up if he was at least willing to look at a plan b or changing tactics,whats worrying is that he dos,t recognise theres anything wrong.By the way it can,t be so long before Chambers is nearing a return is it?.

i think people might be more optimistic in Gms chances of keeping us up if he was at least willing to look at a plan b or changing tactics,whats worrying is that he dos,t recognise theres anything wrong.By the way it can,t be so long before Chambers is nearing a return is it?.YoRkIe59

i think people might be more optimistic in Gms chances of keeping us up if he was at least willing to look at a plan b or changing tactics,whats worrying is that he dos,t recognise theres anything wrong.By the way it can,t be so long before Chambers is nearing a return is it?.

Score: 0

[deleted]
1:45pm Mon 4 Feb 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]YorkCityLuke[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jim alexander[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]YorkCityLuke[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]redbluelion[/bold] wrote:
MILLS OUT -MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT-MILLS OUT..ITS CLEAR HE CAN'T DO THE JOB HES PAYED TO DO..[/p][/quote]Writing it in Caps Lock doesn't make it any more valid. Mills has just hit a wobble in form - if he can't deal with it before the end of the season, then look for a new manager. If he can, then he'll have got us promoted and kept us up, although I get the feeling people will still be calling for his head after every loss.[/p][/quote]he needs to go NOW. if McGill had the love he claims for the club he'd sack him[/p][/quote]Again, writing in Caps Lock doesn't add to your argument. Who do you even want to replace him? There isn't some temp-pool of experienced, successful league managers just waiting for a call from York City so they can come rocket us into the play-offs. We know Mills is capable of success, for me that gives him time to get his new signings working properly before we swing the axe. I also think that things will improve in a noticable way when Chambers gets back (how far from fitness is he now, out of interest?), so for now we all need to chill out and see what happens.[/p][/quote]leave it to Mills we'll be non-league again in Sept. He must go NOW!!!jim alexander

Writing it in Caps Lock doesn't make it any more valid. Mills has just hit a wobble in form - if he can't deal with it before the end of the season, then look for a new manager. If he can, then he'll have got us promoted and kept us up, although I get the feeling people will still be calling for his head after every loss.

he needs to go NOW. if McGill had the love he claims for the club he'd sack him

Again, writing in Caps Lock doesn't add to your argument. Who do you even want to replace him? There isn't some temp-pool of experienced, successful league managers just waiting for a call from York City so they can come rocket us into the play-offs. We know Mills is capable of success, for me that gives him time to get his new signings working properly before we swing the axe. I also think that things will improve in a noticable way when Chambers gets back (how far from fitness is he now, out of interest?), so for now we all need to chill out and see what happens.

leave it to Mills we'll be non-league again in Sept. He must go NOW!!!

Score: 0

[deleted]
2:27pm Mon 4 Feb 13

[deleted]

Bring in Gazza before it's too late!!!jim alexander

Bring in Gazza before it's too late!!!

Score: 0

[deleted]
3:05pm Mon 4 Feb 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]jim alexander[/bold] wrote:
Bring in Gazza before it's too late!!![/p][/quote]Wind up merchant, bet the only city games you have seen are those when we played Luton!uhtred

jim alexander wrote…

Bring in Gazza before it's too late!!!

Wind up merchant, bet the only city games you have seen are those when we played Luton!

Score: 0

[deleted]
3:14pm Mon 4 Feb 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]uhtred[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jim alexander[/bold] wrote:
Bring in Gazza before it's too late!!![/p][/quote]Wind up merchant, bet the only city games you have seen are those when we played Luton![/p][/quote]we need someone with bottle! MILLS OUTjim alexander

uhtred wrote…

jim alexander wrote…

Bring in Gazza before it's too late!!!

Wind up merchant, bet the only city games you have seen are those when we played Luton!

we need someone with bottle! MILLS OUT

Score: 0

RooBeck
3:44pm Mon 4 Feb 13

February is a big month for us, with five testing matches coming-up. We need to fully back and support Gary Mills and his coaching staff to pick the team up, develop some new attacking tactics/formations at home and go again. Also, a settled and cohesive Back Four, is essential. I have every faith in him, but the squad must also play their part and look to the game at The New York Stadium on the 26th. February, as one to enter full of confidence and with maybe, eight points in the bag! Lets target the two consecutive Yorkshire derbies to have our game plans and form on a high and get some big followings to both matches. COYR.

February is a big month for us, with five testing matches coming-up. We need to fully back and support Gary Mills and his coaching staff to pick the team up, develop some new attacking tactics/formations at home and go again. Also, a settled and cohesive Back Four, is essential. I have every faith in him, but the squad must also play their part and look to the game at The New York Stadium on the 26th. February, as one to enter full of confidence and with maybe, eight points in the bag! Lets target the two consecutive Yorkshire derbies to have our game plans and form on a high and get some big followings to both matches. COYR.RooBeck

February is a big month for us, with five testing matches coming-up. We need to fully back and support Gary Mills and his coaching staff to pick the team up, develop some new attacking tactics/formations at home and go again. Also, a settled and cohesive Back Four, is essential. I have every faith in him, but the squad must also play their part and look to the game at The New York Stadium on the 26th. February, as one to enter full of confidence and with maybe, eight points in the bag! Lets target the two consecutive Yorkshire derbies to have our game plans and form on a high and get some big followings to both matches. COYR.

Score: 0

Phil, Leeds
4:56pm Mon 4 Feb 13

YoRkIe59 wrote…

i think people might be more optimistic in Gms chances of keeping us up if he was at least willing to look at a plan b or changing tactics,whats worrying is that he dos,t recognise theres anything wrong.By the way it can,t be so long before Chambers is nearing a return is it?.

That's exactly right.

[quote][p][bold]YoRkIe59[/bold] wrote:
i think people might be more optimistic in Gms chances of keeping us up if he was at least willing to look at a plan b or changing tactics,whats worrying is that he dos,t recognise theres anything wrong.By the way it can,t be so long before Chambers is nearing a return is it?.[/p][/quote]That's exactly right.Phil, Leeds

YoRkIe59 wrote…

i think people might be more optimistic in Gms chances of keeping us up if he was at least willing to look at a plan b or changing tactics,whats worrying is that he dos,t recognise theres anything wrong.By the way it can,t be so long before Chambers is nearing a return is it?.

Ahhhh you're a luton fan, plucky little none league luton, cracking result for Barrow good old boyes :-)

Ahhhh you're a luton fan, plucky little none league luton, cracking result for Barrow good old boyes :-)jcyorkie10

Ahhhh you're a luton fan, plucky little none league luton, cracking result for Barrow good old boyes :-)

Score: 0

[deleted]
7:28pm Mon 4 Feb 13

[deleted]

Where did Jim Alexander go? Thought this was a country of free speech, even if he was a prat!sophie mcgill

Where did Jim Alexander go? Thought this was a country of free speech, even if he was a prat!

Score: 0

[deleted]
7:32pm Mon 4 Feb 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]sophie mcgill[/bold] wrote:
Where did Jim Alexander go? Thought this was a country of free speech, even if he was a prat![/p][/quote]He changed his name to sophie mcgill?YorkCityLuke

sophie mcgill wrote…

Where did Jim Alexander go? Thought this was a country of free speech, even if he was a prat!

He changed his name to sophie mcgill?

Score: 0

[deleted]
7:38pm Mon 4 Feb 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]YorkCityLuke[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]sophie mcgill[/bold] wrote:
Where did Jim Alexander go? Thought this was a country of free speech, even if he was a prat![/p][/quote]He changed his name to sophie mcgill?[/p][/quote]very funny, sex changesophie mcgill

YorkCityLuke wrote…

sophie mcgill wrote…

Where did Jim Alexander go? Thought this was a country of free speech, even if he was a prat!

He changed his name to sophie mcgill?

very funny, sex change

Score: 0

SamYCFC
5:01pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Why are smith and Parslow first on the team sheet? Mcgurk and Oyebanjo are the only good defenders at the club. The loan guys were poor too.

Why are smith and Parslow first on the team sheet? Mcgurk and Oyebanjo are the only good defenders at the club. The loan guys were poor too.SamYCFC

Why are smith and Parslow first on the team sheet? Mcgurk and Oyebanjo are the only good defenders at the club. The loan guys were poor too.

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